3 Northwest New Year’s Dishes for Good Health and Good Luck

When you raise your glass to toast to good health on New Year’s Eve, pair your beverage with a bite of these ingredients believed to bring good luck. You’ll eat well and start 2014 on a healthy note, even if that whole luck thing doesn’t quite work out.

Greens and Beans

Vitamin-rich greens and fiber-packed beans represent wealth, so they’re often included on New Year’s menus across the world. Combine them with Northwest Herbivore’s Black-eyed Peas with Greens recipe, a healthy Northwest twist on a Southern favorite. For a hearty bean dip or side, Frugal Living NW has a simple recipe for pinto beans in the crock pot. While you could just open up a can of refried beans, dried beans are a healthy, cheaper, and tastier alternative. Need some more encouragement to experiment with dried beans? Portland-based blogger Sara Tetreault of Go Gingham explains why she uses them.

Pork

Though pork is forbidden in some cultures, in others it’s considered good luck. Pork can also be healthy if you stick to leaner cuts and preparations. Shut Up & Cook blogger Erina Malarkey has her own mouth-watering version of Paseo’s Cuban sandwich, a famous Seattle treat. Skip the mayo for less fat and fewer calories. For a taste reminiscent of Northwest food trucks, grab your slow cooker and braise up some pork for these Asian-inspired tacos from Hip Foodie Mom. Or try other delicious winter pork dishes from Edible Portland.